Entrepreneurs

Become your own boss!

THRIVE provides business development resources for new and second-stage businesses, as well as those looking for an exit strategy. We are a member-based small business accelerator that supports the regional entrepreneurial community. Our classes, workshops, conferences, memberships, and networking events are free. We have worked with and assisted hundreds of individual entrepreneurs. Our drop-in co-work center offers tech-centric tools and an environment where you can receive expert-guided solutions to today’s challenges.

No magic, just awesome sauce!

CEO Platform for Success – A 10-week entrepreneurial training and development curriculum that puts you and your business in the success lane. Once completed, you will have a fully developed business plan. The course covers the concepts of product development, pricing strategy, branding, marketing, and so much more. This certificate-based training positions you to take your first steps to financial independence.
Accelerate to Success – A second 10-week course for CEO/Platform for Success graduates. The primary goal is to help you launch your business. These fast-paced 45-minute sessions are packed with novel business ideas, trends, and best practices designed to help you and your business succeed!

From the Bench – Weekly drop-in 1-hour workshops featuring topics that can have a positive influence on running your small businesses. Our subject matter experts lead discussions. From the Bench is the perfect setting for creative conversations about real-world challenges and solutions.
eRising – Our annual in-person and online live event brings together the region’s most connected minds on entrepreneurship under one roof. A distinguished panel of experts offer their perspectives on critical components needed by those seeking to start or grow their business.
1–on–1 Coaching – THRIVE members get exclusive access to our resident mentors for individualized business development solutions. These confidential by-appointment sessions permit members to do a deep dive into their specific business questions, resulting in tailored recommendations.

THRIVE Offerings: (All services are FREE!)

THRIVE is an affiliate of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and partners with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE), Woman’s Resource Center/Sarasota, Fifth Third Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, City of Sarasota, and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.